Jhong, Vice, Vhong Insist That They Have Not Violated MTRCB Laws on It’s Showtime
During the live episode of September 5 of It’s Showtime, they gave a statement for the audience who are saddened that it might stop airing altogether.

Viewers were also left wondering what action It’s Showtime will take in response to the suspension issued by MTRCB.

Meanwhile, It’s Showtime has also released a statement through Jhong Hilario.

“We have received the ruling of MTRCB ordering the suspension of It’s Showtime within 12 days. From this final decision, we will file a Motion for Reconsideration. Because we believe that we have not violated any law.”

“While the motion for reconsideration is pending, the decision to suspend the program is not yet final and effective. So for now, you can continue to watch It’s Showtime.

“We will continue to coordinate with MTRCB so that It’s Showtime can continue to deliver entertainment and fun to our beloved Madlang Pipol.”

They also thank all the Madlang Pipol who continue to support It’s Showtime.

MTRCB suspends ‘It’s Showtime’ for 12 days
It’s Showtime to cease airing live shows for 12 days as per MTRCBThe Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has issued a suspension order against It’s Showtime, today, Monday, September 4, 2023.

The MTRCB has imposed a twelve (12) day suspension on ABS-CBN’s daily noontime show.

Part of the MTRCB’s statement to the media: “The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued today, 04 September 2023, its decision to suspend the live noontime program “It’s Showtime!” for twelve (12) airing days.

“Viewers have lodged multiple complaints before the MTRCB concerning the show’s 25 July 2023 episode wherein the program’s hosts allegedly acted in an indecent manner during one of its segments, “Isip Bata.”

“The said case was referred to the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee which heard the case and required the respondents to submit their position papers, following a procedural process.”

According to the MTRCB statement, “In accordance with the Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1986 (MTRCB Charter), the respondents may file one Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the decision.

“Should the Board’s Decision be adverse to the respondent’s MR, they may appeal to the Office of the President within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the decision on the MR.”

In their official statement, the MTRCB singled out the reason for their decision to suspend I’ts Showtime.

“This is not the first time that a preventive suspension order was imposed on It’s Showtime.

“In 2010, the MTRCB imposed a 20-day preventive suspension on ABS-CBN’s daily variety program then called “Showtime.”

“In 2023 alone, the MTRCB has received multiple complaints which the Board has given due course.

“Most recently, the Board issued two (2) additional warnings to the noontime show concerning the following cases:

“Case no. 1: Inappropriate utterance of the word “G Spot” by hosts Jhong Hilario and Vice Ganda, during the 24 January 2023 episode of “It’s Showtime!” in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1986. Decision: The Board found the Respondents (ABS-CBN Corporation Broadcasting Network [ABS-CBN], ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. [ZBNI] and TV 5 Network, Inc.) remiss in the performance of their respective functions and duties required under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of P.D. No. 1986, specifically Section 2 (B) Chapter IV thereof, and are admonished to refrain from making any utterances of similar nature for the same will be dealt with more severely.

Case no. 2: Inappropriate utterance of the word “Tinggil” by host Vhong Navarro, during the 03 June 2023 episode of “It’s Showtime!” in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 1986. Decision: Derelict in the performance of their respective functions and duties under the IRR of P.D. No. 1986, Respondents (ABS-CBN and ZBNI) were sternly warned by the Board that a similar utterance will be dealt with more severely.

“At present, the noontime show has duly submitted their MRs for the above-mentioned cases which are currently pending with the MTRCB’s Adjudication Committee.

“Prior Warnings It may also be recalled that the noontime show received prior warnings from the Board in relation to the utterance of the word “Pek Pek Shorts” in the 09 January 2023 episode of the show and the indecent attire and performance of Kim Duenas in the “Girl on Fire” segment aired on 14 February 2023, in both cases, the Respondents were admonished that similar violations shall be dealt with more severely.

“Dismissed Complaints due to lack of Merit Apart from these, the MTRCB has received multiple complaints regarding the noontime show, which the Board dismissed in the spirit of fairness and equity, such as (1) Complaints regarding the “Rampanalo” segment money game where hosts were paired together to catch play money using their lips; (2) Complaints regarding the allegedly suggestive “macho” dancing in one of the show’s segments; (3) Complaints regarding the wardrobe malfunctions or “nip slips” of one of the performers, to which MTRCB issued a memorandum urging stakeholders to exercise prudence in securing their talents’ clothing during performances; and (4) Complaints of alleged inappropriate wearing of the Barong Tagalog of one of the Hosts, to name a few.

“The MTRCB only adjudicates cases which, to the Board’s judgment, have basis in law and its mandate, P.D. No. 1986.”

It’s Showtime management may appeal to the MTRCB within fifteen (15) days after receiving the decision

VICE, VHONG JOKE ABOUT SUSPENSION
A puzzle for avid viewers of the noontime show was the joke between Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro in the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment of It’s Showtime this Monday, September 4, 2023.

In the said segment, Vhong and one of the judges, Nonoy Zuñiga, had an interaction after the latter expressed his opinion about a contestant’s performance.

Vhong said, making his voice deep, resembling that of veteran radio anchor Rey Langit, when reciting the line “Maraming salamat hurado, Nonoy Zuñiga.”

Vice joked to Vhong, “Your voice is beautiful, you can announce…”

Vhong replied, “Of what?”

Vice joked again, “Of suspension.”

The studio laughed together.

It was not clear what “suspension” Vice meant.

Earlier, a post by former Manila Bulletin entertainment editor Crispina Belen regarding the “12-day suspension” of It’s Showtime imposed by the MTRCB was circulated.

According to her, she was saddened by the punishment imposed by the MTRCB on It’s Showtime due to the “icing incident” of Vice and partner Ion Perez in the “Isip Bata” segment of the noontime show.

She also said that the twelve-day suspension was too harsh.

Belen’s full post, “I’m saddened that #ItsShowtime the ABS-CBN produced variety show airing on GTV received a 12-day suspension without allegedly due process.

“Vice Ganda’s “cake thingy” antic in one of its past episodes was said to be the cause. I personally deemed it harmless so did most netizens. (Go figure.)

“From my recollection, this was the worse suspension a TV show ever received – 12-days!

“The suspension would likely be appealed.

“So what do you think? Was the suspension justified?”

According to a reliable source of PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the ABS-CBN management received the suspension memo from the MTRCB today as well.

He also confirmed that the agency’s punishment for the show was 12 days.

ABS-CBN will also release a statement regarding this.

The MTRCB is currently headed by Lala Sotto-Antonio, daughter of former Senate President Tito Sotto who is one of the hosts of the TV5 noontime show E.A.T.